Students from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology have won the 2022 edition of Royal Crown Packaging Limited’s annual Research and Innovation Challenge (RCPL).
The program’s goal is to expose tertiary students to RCPL manufacturing processes and guide them in identifying and addressing operational challenges and bottlenecks in corrugated box manufacturing. As a result, it has aided in generating interest in the field of packaging among university students.
Samuella Obuama Aggrey, Humility, represents KNUST. Daniella Nyame and Christian Addo Sarfo are expected to create designs for the World Packaging Organization (WPO) WorldStar Student Competition 2022.
Academic City University College came second in the challenge, followed by the University of Ghana and Ashesi University. Ashesi University won the challenge in 2019 and 2021, while the University of Ghana won in 2020.
Royal Crown Packaging Limited added Kasapreko and Qualiplast as partners this year to diversify the experience. Students not only gained practical experience in the manufacturing industry, but they also received internship opportunities, souvenirs, certificates, and direct access to management from IOPG, RCPL, Kasapreko, and Qualiplast.
This year’s competition’s four research areas were as follows:
- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers an opportunity for Ghanaian products to be sold across the continent, but poor packaging can be a barrier. Present a proposal on how to improve local packaging and design a primary package (plastic) and secondary packaging (corrugated box) for selected Kasapreko products to achieve export competitiveness in the African market.
2. post-consumer plastic packaging waste is a major issue in Ghana. Present a proposal on how to create value from plastic waste and design a consumer or distribution package using post-consumer waste or recycled plastic material.
3. Ghana loses a large amount of fresh fruits and vegetables due to a lack of or insufficient packaging. Make a proposal to reduce post-harvest loss of fresh fruits and vegetables using effective packaging systems, and design one such packaging to do so.
4. Paper waste can be used to generate value through recycling. Present a proposal for the effective collection of all types of waste paper for recycling, as well as a design for waste paper-based packaging.
